Go green with your floors

Interested in reviewing other flooring choices that may be “greener” and healthier than carpet?

With carpets being known for collecting dust, dust mites, pollen, mold and other allergens, the alternatives below might be things to ponder if your family is affected by allergies or if there is a desire to be more eco-friendly.

Most of the ideas listed below are hard surfaces, so for softness you can add area rugs made from natural materials, if your allergies allow. Consider washable or low-pile styles that are easier to keep clean.

Your slab as your floor

While your concrete slab is not very green in itself (concrete being energy intensive to create and transport), why not make a virtue of necessity?

Low toxicity water-based concrete stains can make your slab look like stone, or – with stamping, scoring or “faux painting” techniques – like tile or brick.

Stamping must be done shortly after pouring the concrete, but staining and scoring can be done any time.

“Green” concrete tile

A Bonsall company, Smith-Laredo, produces concrete tiles that use no Portland cement, have relatively low embodied energy, use natural oxides for color and are completely recyclable.

Reclaimed/salvaged wood

Salvaged wood from wine/water tanks and building deconstruction is available from companies like Vintage Timber in Temecula.

You can also check your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore or architectural-salvage yard for flooring removed during other folks’ remodels.

FSC-certified wood

Choose new wood flooring that has been Forest Stewardship Council certified, meaning from forests grown and managed according to stringent FSC standards – which address sustainable harvesting, environmental impact, the rights of workers and indigenous landowners and more.

Linoleum

Linoleum (often confused with petroleum-based vinyl or PVC flooring) is a resilient, low-maintenance flooring made from linseed oil, pine rosin, sawdust, limestone and natural pigments.

First invented in the 1800s, it has come back into favor with the push for greener, healthier building products.

Bamboo

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth; it can be harvested every five to seven years, as opposed to the 40 to 60 years needed for some hardwoods.

It’s durable and has a beautiful grain. Some brands have low levels of formaldehyde in the manufacturing or installation process (in the adhesives) but formaldehyde-free brands are available.

Cork

Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree and can be harvested from the same tree every nine years without killing it.

It is resilient and sound dampening but not recommended for baths or high-moisture areas, as it can absorb and retain water.

Recycled glass

Multicolor Terrazzo tiles are made from 55- to 100-percent post-consumer recycled glass mixed with epoxy resins. They are hardy underfoot and very attractive.

If you prefer solid-color or iridescent tiles, nearly every color produced by Oceanside Glass Tile uses some percentage of recycled glass.

Natural and recycled rubber

A company called ECOSurfaces is turning old tires into colorful, low-toxicity rubber flooring that meets LEED eligibility standards. Others are using natural rubber (yes, that “rubber tree plant” really exists) to make easy-to-install floor tiles.

Rubber is resilient and water-resistant, excellent for kitchens, baths and kids’ rooms or play areas. Just be sure to avoid synthetic rubber tiles, which are made from petrochemicals and outgas VOCs.

There are many sources for each type of flooring, but since flooring is heavy and energy-intensive to ship, consider visiting a local flooring store and seeking assistance from a professional in Fallbrook.

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